Drum Lessons in Monte Sereno, CA

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar

I have worked as a professional musician for over 25 years. I have performed with members of the Doobie Brothers, Grateful Dead, David Grisman Quintet, Galactic and many others. I have performed on guitar, bass, drums, mandolin and keyboards. I have performed across the country at festivals, theaters and smaller venues like cafes and restaurants. I also have 20+ years experience in the music "business," as radio deejay, music journalist for the New York Times, manager of a guitar store, sales rep for a drum manufacturer, and guitar instructor UCSC. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Teaches the fundamentals of music and fundamentals of percussion utilizing the drum kit, practice pad, audio/visual tools and text books; how to play basic, fundamental rhythms and patterns within different genres rock, blues, soul and Latin rhythms; teach music theory Students will gain the fundamental knowledge of drumming, coordination in their playing, acquire control, speed, touch, flexibility, power and be able to play on an advanced to professional level. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am open to suggestions and, of course, any kind of music or songs the student brings to the lessons and has questions about. Regardless of the student's skill level and age, I meet them wherever they are at, and help them progress and take the steps necessary to improve their playing. If the lessons are held at my space, I use two drum sets for teaching. This is more fun for both sides! Read More

Instruments: Drums

Technique: grip, stroke methods, posture, symmetry, breathing, set up. Rudiments: with and without metronome, increasing tempo by 5 bpm, great way to warm up for any lesson. Beats/Rhythms/Styles: rock, pop, jazz, funk, hip hop, reggae, Arab, African + more. Genre/style identifiers and characteristics. Independence: hands and feet exercises for fluidity and freedom of expression. Orchestration and Arrangement: utilizing the variety of percussion instruments available at the studio to demonstrate rhythms and sounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Clarinet Drums Bass Guitar Organ Synthesizer Ukulele Mandolin Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I always say that rhythm is more important than the notes. Play the right rhythm and the notes will come instead of playing every right note while sacrificing rhythm. I encourage students to make their mistakes loud, proud, and in rhythm so everyone has a better idea of what needs to be worked on most. I also emphasize isolating parts to practice and working backwards. Example: play the last two bars of the song until comfortable with it, now play the last 4 bars, last 6, last 8...etc., whole song. Read More

Instruments: Drums Latin Percussion Keyboard

It is vitally important that the environment of learning the drums be fun and comfortable. Nobody likes to come to a lesson stressed and nervous. This is not an audition, trust me, I've been in many of those and those are really stressful. Learning drums is going to be exciting, repertoire, and addicting, a good type of addict. Not only do I look forward to teaching a student how to play drums with me, but also learning at home with their own kit or practicing on a drum pad. Read More